138
important responsibility accompanies the benefits of wireless
phones, one that every user must uphold.
When driving a car, driving is your first responsibility. When using
your wireless phone behind the wheel of a car, practice good
common sense and remember the following tips:
1.
Get to know your wireless phone and its features, such as
speed dial and redial. If available, these features help you
to place your call without taking your attention off the road.
2.
When available, use a hands-free device. If possible, add
an additional layer of convenience and safety to your
wireless phone with one of the many hands free
accessories available today.
3.
Position your wireless phone within easy reach. Be able to
access your wireless phone without removing your eyes
from the road. If you get an incoming call at an
inconvenient time, let your voice mail answer it for you.
4.
Let the person you are speaking with know you are driving;
if necessary, suspend the call in heavy traffic or hazardous
weather conditions. Rain, sleet, snow, ice and even heavy
traffic can be hazardous.
5.
Do not take notes or look up phone numbers while driving.
Jotting down a "to do" list or flipping through your address
book takes attention away from your primary
responsibility, driving safely.
6.
Dial sensibly and assess the traffic; if possible, place calls
when you are not moving or before pulling into traffic. Try
to plan calls when your car will be stationary. If you need to
make a call while moving, dial only a few numbers, check
the road and your mirrors, then continue.
7.
Do not engage in stressful or emotional conversations that
may be distracting. Make people you are talking with
aware you are driving and suspend conversations that
have the potential to divert your attention from the road.
8.
Use your wireless phone to call for help. Dial 9-1-1 or other
local emergency number in the case of fire, traffic accident
or medical emergencies.
